Sustainability Initiatives

Sustainability Initiatives & Practices

The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) is a world leading sustainable meetings and events venue, committed to the continued cultivation of environmental and social stewardship. Boasting more than 1300 clients in more than 70 countries, event organisers, clients and suppliers are assured that the Centre adheres to the highest environmental practices for venues.

Since inception, the Centre has endeavoured to support eco-friendly efforts both operationally and in design. Over the past 10 years, GCCEC has aligned its practices with EarthCheck, the world's most recognised and largest environmental management program, designed for the travel and tourism industry.

In 2018, GCCEC became the joint first convention centre in the world to achieve EarthCheck Platinum status in recognition of our commitment to operating at the world’s highest environmental standard. Previously we were also the first convention centre in the world to attain EarthCheck Gold status. Continuing to demonstrate its unwavering commitment, the Centre also became the first EarthCheck Certified member to be 2nd Party verified against the EarthCheck Responsible Meetings & Events Standard - which is aligned to international standard ISO 20121 'Event Sustainability Management System'. Download the EarthCheck case study on GCCEC's performance to date below.

“The Australian and global tourism and travel industry can look to the GCCEC for inspiration on how to successfully integrate sustainability practices into their own planning and ongoing business operations,” - Stewart Moore, CEO of EC3 Global (EarthCheck).

Sustainability is not only one of the Centre’s core values, but something which is ingrained into the corporate culture of the GCCEC. The Centre's Environmental and Social Sustainability Policy is driven by a volunteer committee of dedicated employees, who maintain the Centre’s Environmental Management Plan that tracks and controls key areas of energy and water consumption and waste management.

As sustainability has gathered momentum in the events community, and clients have become more aware of the environmental impacts created by their conventions and exhibitions, the GCCEC has committed to not only leading industry towards a more sustainable future for conferencing and events. We are dedicated to providing clients with a progressive venue, dedicated to championing corporate social responsibility.

As part of vision to #WALKTHETALK for the MICE industry, GCCEC is undertaking a pilot program with EarthCheck for improving and reviewing the Activity Measure benchmarking for Convention Centres globally. The aim is to provide organisations with a more meaningful assessment to assist with monitoring and managing their environmental performance. GCCEC was a key contributor in leveraging EarthCheck to commission the study, and we are proud to actively participate in research advancement.

The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre believes that sometimes it’s the most simple and inexpensive initiatives that help to not only reduce the environmental impact of an event, but also boost the morale of a client and enhance the reputation of their company.

The Centre offers event organisers a free Green Event Guide that outlines comprehensive steps to help clients reduce the carbon footprint of their event or simply become more aware of sustainable industry practices.

FAST FACTS:

75% of waste is recycled or reused

100% of the cleaning and pesticide products used on-site are biodegradable

Building Managment System (BMS) is central to reducing energy consumption. Multiple control systems are linked and monitored to control building services through a communication network managed by software. During off-peak periods energy consumption can be reduced by up to 50%

Light sensors installed throughout all toilets and storerooms

All taps fitted with flow restriction devices and water tap sensors installed throughout all bathrooms resulting in a reduction of water use from approximately 30 litres per minute to 6 litres per minute.

Shower roses have been retro fitted to reduce water flow from approximately 25 litres per minute to 9 litres per minute

Installation of dual flush toilets with a 6/3 litres per minute flow rate. All urinals have been fitted to Zip-master time delay flush systems with a flow rate of 6 litres per minute

All used printer cartridges and toners are recycled through Australia Post and Planet Ark

Centre uses 100% recycled paper throughout all printers and faxes

The Centre uses recycled (non-potable) water for the landscape irrigation systems

The Centre has worked with local suppliers to change the way goods are being packaged and delivered. For example: most suppliers are now using cardboard boxes that are then recycled onsite.

Menus consist of 85% locally-grown and sourced ingredients and produce

Source sustainable packaging solutions via BioPak that are resource-efficient, made from low-impact materials, and are reusable or recyclable at the end of their useful life. This includes disposable coffee and drink cups, and cutlery. In 2017, the Centre offset 16 tons of CO2 emissions. That's equivalent to 6,794L of saved fuel, 64,707km travelled in a vehicle and 4 cars on the road.

Commissioned 50,000 carbon neutral 8oz BioCups in 2016, featuring indigenous artwork by local artist Paula Nihôt, representative of the Yugambeh Museum, Language and Heritage Research Centre. The artwork is in connection to a highly regarded indigenous mural and the traditional owners of the land

Excess, freshly made and packaged foods are donated to national food resue organisation OzHarvest. Since 2014, more than 4800kg of food or 14,000 meals have been donated to nourish vulnerable members of our Gold Coast community.

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What Our Clients Say

I have conducted two major formal dinners at GCCEC for approx 700 people each time, the more recent of these being held in March 2015. I am completely satisfied with all aspects of working with GCCEC and their performance in presenting our function. They were completely professional and were willing to do things exactly the way I wanted them done, even meeting some unusual requirements. When I requested to make layout changes only hours before the dinner the request was accommodated immediately and with professional ease. The dinner was an alternate drop three course full service meal with drinks package, and it was without a doubt the best formal dinner I have ever attended. I have managed many similar dinners in the past but this dinner achieved by far the best result, it was the easiest to organise and to then manage on the night. Our GCCEC functions manager was a competent and willing professional who achieved an absolutely flawless event. I am still trying to understand how the catering staff were able to prepare almost 700 perfectly cooked and presented meals and get them to the tables whilst still hot. An excellent event perfectly presented by cheerful and competent professional staff.

We have held our major event, the Conference of Major Superannuation Funds (CMSF), at the GCCEC on six occasions since it opened in 2004. Through holding our event at the GCCEC we have established a terrific relationship with the venue. Each and every staff member works tirelessly to ensure that our event is run to the highest calibre. Any task, no matter how little or large is undertaken to ensure our expectations are met and our event is delivered successfully.

AIST Events Team

It’s the small things that make such a big difference. My organisation has held its conference annually at GCCEC since 2008, during which I’ve experienced unparalleled service. I continue to be amazed by the dedication, friendliness and professionalism of all staff – be it sales and event management to back of house and floor staff. They know my event inside and out, making the experience seamless. I have thoroughly enjoyed each and every conference I’ve held here!

You guys did it again! It is such a pleasure to work with a dedicated, proactive and friendly team. Your can-do attitude, your attention to detail and your willingness to try something new all help to make our lives easier and to keep our event fresh and interesting. Once again, the food was superb and the level of service provided by everyone at the centre was exceptional.

There is no doubt that next time we need to be ‘creative’ on the Gold Coast; the GCCEC is the only venue we’d choose. No matter how difficult or unusual our demands prior to the event, nothing proved impossible for you and during the conference your professionalism and attention to detail ensured that everything ran without a hitch enabling us to focus properly on the job in hand. Last, but not least, the catering was superb!